Man City pip United to signing of Lille star Hazard

Manchester City have landed another devastating blow on rivals United winning the race to sign Lille star Eden Hazard a source close to SqueakBumTime tells us.

Just 48 hours after dramatically snatching the Premier League title out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s grasp City boss Roberto Mancini is reportedly on the verge of concluding a deal to sign Hazard from under the nose of his Red Devil’s counterpart.

The much sought after Belgian midfielder revealed last month he would leave the Ligue 1 side at the end of the season telling French television: “I want to play in England [next season]. That’s what I’ve decided.”

He also disclosed the shirt colour he’d be wearing following his switch declaring:”It’s the blue that I’ll be wearing next season. Definitely the blue” putting City and Chelsea in the frame for his signature.

But today he dispelled rumours of a move to West London stating that he will be pitching up 190 miles further North stating: “It will be Manchester. The decision is going to be taken. You will soon all know.”

Now it’s been revealed that the 21-year-old will be making his way to the Etihad Stadium this summer and aid City in solidifying their dominance of the English game after sealing their first top-flight championship in 44-years.

Hazard, who has drawn admiring glances from Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid and both Milan clubs, has enjoyed a fruitful campaign at the Stade Lille Metropole scoring 17 times in 37 outings.

He is wanted by Mancini to form a captivating attacking threesome with 30-goal leading scorer Sergio Aguero and Spanish international David Silva as the 47-year-old aims to build a side capable of keeping Ferguson and United at bay for many years to come.

It’s reported that the playmaker will cost in the region of £30 million although that is a mere drop in the ocean for City who have spent over lavishly on player recruitment since the Abu Dhabi group took over four-years ago.